Making sure your installer does it right

INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Here's how to make sure you don't settle for sub-standard workmanship.

Suitably qualified installers, complying with relevant standards should be selected to undertake the data cabling work. Qualifications would include evidence of manufacturer’s training or training undertaken at a specialised training establishment and supported by recognised certification.

o Adherence to standards, including, where applicable:
o BS 6701
o BS EN 7671 (IEE) Wiring Regulations - 16th Edition
o BS EN 50174 series of standards
o BS EN 50310
o BS EN 50346

o A good installer will not:
o Exceed the minimum bend radii for cables
o Exceed the maximum pulling force for cables
o Crush cable (e.g. by over tightening cable ties)
o Strip too much cable sheath at termination points.
o Install cables where they could be damaged.
o Untwist too much of each cable pair.
o Use incorrect tools or fixing techniques

o A good installer will:
o Work safely
o Adhere to the necessary standards
o Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines

Alan Bullen
Lynx Networks plc

Fibre optic Industry Association - Approved Installer Scheme

The Fibre optic Industry Association (FIA) has recently re-launched its approved installer scheme. This has two main purposes: firstly to ensure that customer using an approved installer get a risk-free, high quality installation and secondly, to make it easier for the installer to provide it.

The software supplied to approved installers as part of the scheme ensures that over three hundred potential risks to a project are addressed and alleviated. The FIA now has the task of getting as many installers and integrators as possible join the scheme to give it critical mass, and recognition amongst the users and consultants. The scheme is soundly based on the demands of the BS 6701 and BS EN 50174 Standards.

As believers that standards in IT infrastructure and data cabling need to be maintained, Lynx Networks were the first company to sign up to the scheme.